Finite element simulation of magnetic recording-reproduction process with special attention to AC-biased recording mechanism

A numerical technique based on a finite-element model is proposed to simulate the magnetic recording/reproduction process. A two-dimensional traveling magnetic field including the eddy current effect is considered. Some devices are introduced for efficient computation: a thin coupling layer is provided between the head and the tape surface for arbitrary tape movement relative to the head; a picture-frame technique is used to reduce the domain extending to infinity by incorporating hybrid-type infinite elements; and spline interpolation is used to express the nonlinear characteristics of the materials and the reproduced waveforms. It is found that the model demonstrates remarkably well the typical characteristics of an AC-biased recording